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November, 2024

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So i'm in the market for a new car...

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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
now as much as i want a WRX or something, i can't afford one so sorry but please don't recommend that.

now i am 16 years old, and will hopefully be splitting the cost with my parents. my price range is iffy. not trying to go over $8,000 here...

so far not really looking much i have found an acura RSX that is pretty nice for 8k. 2002, 5 speed, rims and it looks sick. but it has 121,000 miles. i am not too familiar with acura's, is that a lot of miles for this car? or do they tend to "run forever"?

also i'm open to any suggestions or anything...i'm not sure if i want to spend that much money or not yet...anyways thanks for the help in advance
Apr 1 2008 8:19PM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
oh and i've got about 2 grand saved up, plus i'm selling my dirtbike which i'm hoping to get 1,000+ for. then summer job, so i can make the price easily i think...but i just am not sure cause that's a good bit of money for a first car i think. anyways yeah that's all i've got for now.
Apr 1 2008 8:21PM
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moonofendor
Posts: 1484 - Karma: 14
get an all black impala with the butterfly doors.
limo tint windows.
bumpin sound system.
Apr 1 2008 8:25PM
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*rkp*
Posts: 8198 - Karma: 258
volvo 850 turbo.

amazing car. i had one for my first car. fast as hell (225hp) fwd so it's pretty good in snow. LOADED with options and comforts (this was their top of the line sport sedan back then) and they look really good too. they're pretty reliable as well, and only have a 5cyl 2.3L engine, so they're pretty decent on gas. they're also probably the safest car on the roads still today (youtube it...they drive one off an 80 foot cliff) you can get one (they went from I beleive 93 till 97) that is definitely in your price range. and they're even cheaper if you don't get the turbo version.
Apr 1 2008 8:27PM
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Nicholas.
Posts: 10905 - Karma: 60

im pretty sure you can get a wrx for less than an rsx...


but if not a wrx maybe like a 2.5 or something?

Apr 1 2008 8:27PM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
nah almost all the wrx's i've looked at are around 11-12k right now. and the rsx is sick for 8k i think. it's just the milage that is worrying. anyone know what's up with that?
Apr 1 2008 8:38PM
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salomonskiier12
Posts: 2862 - Karma: 19
my experiences w/ them tell me that they are not a good first car, have expensive repairs, and are not the most reliable.
Apr 1 2008 8:53PM
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lushlaxstr
Posts: 3063 - Karma: 41
buy a Saab. one of the safest cars on the road. very reliable, fast. great in the snow. VERY nice. luxuryyyyy
Apr 1 2008 8:58PM
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purpleflurple
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 20
Your gangster status would raise 100 points if u drove a range rover
Apr 1 2008 8:59PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
def check who has owned the car before u, cause rsx's are fast as fuck and if it was a younger guy i wouldnt say get it.  acuras in general reun pretty long( they are the same as honders) but if it was beat on for 120k its not gonna last very long.  but parts shouldnt be too bad.

i would go for something more conventional, like a civic or newer accord, i have a saab and its fairly reliable, but parts are super expensive.  but keep looking and u migt find a wrx in your range.  o and im sure u know it but wrx's take 93 wich is only gettin more expensive.
Apr 1 2008 9:00PM
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purpleflurple
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 20
But gas prices are going p and probably wont go down for a while so if u are like most of us paying for our own gas get something fuel friendly like a subaru or a honda
Apr 1 2008 9:01PM
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Mezmerize19
Posts: 6475 - Karma: 18
my buddy just bought a used Impreza for 8 grand and it has a new intake system. check out autotrader also bro. I look there every week and find some amazing deals
Apr 1 2008 9:02PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
cheya saab FTW. but if u go euro like bmw or saab or audi, get a newer with low miles, as they get over 100 they die and lots of shit needs to be replaced. but can all be super reliable if treated right.
Apr 1 2008 9:03PM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
Ya don't listen to everyone telling you to get a Turbo or a nice ass Saab or anything like that.

This is how it is. You're 16. Your insurance is going to be a ton. If you drive ANY form of sports car, expect thousands of dollars of insurance a year. On top of that, they take tons of gas, and only run premium. If you have any problems, expect a huge bill.

You're young, you don't need a super badass car. Get like a nice Honda Civic, with low mileage, maybe a camry or an accord. If you want something bigger, maybe try for a Outback. You want a car that you can afford on your budget, and won't break the bank with insurance.

I'm pulling in about $250 a week currently, and I'll be making $650 this summer a week. On that budget, I'm still having a tough time paying off my WRX. You need a lot of income to support a really nice car.
Apr 1 2008 9:06PM
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R-Bertsch
Posts: 4719 - Karma: 20
only dude that knows whats up in this thread
Apr 1 2008 9:11PM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
yeah this does worry me. which is why i'm second guessing myself. my dad is best friends with a state farm agent, who would definitely cut me a nice deal as far as insurance goes, but still a kid with an rsx is gonna be really expensive. i mean over summer i'd probably be pulling in like 250ish a week but it is iffy. i am thinking of either going cheap for a temp. car or paying a little more and getting a car i won't get rid of in a year or two...

again my parents said they'd split the cost of the car as long as it's not outrageous and i'd probably get a little help with insurance, but not much. i'm not sure, but i've still got some time to think things over. getting opinions from you guys helps a lot though.
Apr 1 2008 9:14PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
yo i gotta say you dont always pay out the ass in insurance. im 17 i drive a turbo saab, but its older a 97 but i pay 900 a year in insurance, ive never had  a ticket. 
Apr 1 2008 9:16PM
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comeatmebro
Posts: 10720 - Karma: 66
damn that is cheap dude. like i said i've got some time, i am gonna talk things over more seriously with my parents on a specific car and get some figures on a few possible vehicles for insurance. and try and figure out what i've got going for me here...
Apr 1 2008 9:18PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
fuck range rovers, get a fucking hummer.  and make sure you only fill it with premium, because it makes it that much more baller.  and dont pay for it either, steal that shit.  get your priorities straight.
Apr 1 2008 9:18PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
word just browse autotrader and cars.com and youll find something for sure.
Apr 1 2008 9:24PM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
It all depends. If you have ANY mechanical problems with your RSX, and you are only making $250 a week, you will have a really hard time paying for gas and repairs. RSX's only take premium, and you will prob be driving pretty fast (mostly accelerating alot) which will kill your mileage.

Has it had it's 100k maintenance? It's 120k maintenance? Hopefully it has had both. You should also make sure it has newish tires. Also check to see if it has had it's timing belt replaced. If not, you're looking at another $800+ for a belt and $400 or so for tires.

In general, I would steer away from a car with over 100k miles. Especially find out who the old owner is possible, if they drove the car really hard you are just asking for more problems. That's just my personal opinion though.
Apr 1 2008 9:30PM
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49566738265
Posts: 0 - Karma: 7,704
You can probably find one of those new Mazda 6's for a good price.  It will run forever, safe, pretty sweet looking, and good mileage.  I think they get anywhere from 21-30 MPG depending on if you get manual, turbocharged, etc.

Click for larger image
Apr 1 2008 9:31PM
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RICK_ROSS
Posts: 6983 - Karma: 3,343
get a wrx
Apr 1 2008 9:32PM
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user098123
Posts: 6072 - Karma: 18
I was looking for a 2005 a while ago and it was $13,000 so good luck finding a newer Mazda6.
Apr 1 2008 9:33PM
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MidwestSteeze
Posts: 1839 - Karma: 153
yeah get a nice civic, super goood MPG. insurence sucks.. chevy cobalt ls's are nice
Apr 1 2008 9:33PM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
they are soo sick and fast my friends mom has one and he takes it sometimes, they are really nice and fast as chit probally a s fast as the rsx.    u might be able to find a mazda 3 for cheaper, they are the next version down slightly slower but still sick cars.
Apr 1 2008 9:38PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
Worst place ever to ask for opinions on cars.

my one piece of advice, stay away from high mileage luxury cars

Apr 1 2008 9:42PM
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Meh42
Posts: 2431 - Karma: 14
It's true.  Almost every thread I've ever seen has devolved into "buy a WRX."  Hahahaha, not that that's a bad thing....

Buy a WRX.
Apr 1 2008 9:57PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
HAHA exactly what i was thinking.


Apr 1 2008 10:01PM
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t-roy
Posts: 4041 - Karma: 52

maybe give this a try. instead of buying one car to last your for 5-10 years, but 15 cars for $500 each. drive it until it absolutely dies and buy a new one. it would be sweet if it worked.

Apr 1 2008 10:06PM
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RJD2
Posts: 3532 - Karma: 921
there is no sweet car for $500 though
Apr 1 2008 10:10PM
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TerminatorX
Posts: 3087 - Karma: 169
my mom has a 2006 rsx sports type and it is sick. i think the difference between the sports edition and the normal one is that the sports has 6 gears, bucket seats, a body kit, and a bose system . it is pretty faast, but they still only have 4 cylinders. they are also horable in the snow because they are wicked light and are front wheel drive.
Apr 1 2008 10:12PM
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Nicholas.
Posts: 10905 - Karma: 60
like the guy above said, dont get a sports car. i am paying like 5 k total for an 05 taurus, could i have gotten a sick car for 5 grand? yeah probably where i live, but id rather have something reliable that isnt going to cost me out the ass to insure.
Apr 1 2008 10:15PM
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Scolson
Posts: 2904 - Karma: 92
I would get a vw rabbit pickup, with a 16v or tdi, bu that's me.
Apr 1 2008 10:47PM
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ben_southworth
Posts: 1063 - Karma: 447
dude save ur money, get a used subaru
great in snow, reliable and good gas milage
then go t some sick ski camp
Apr 1 2008 10:58PM
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RICK_ROSS
Posts: 6983 - Karma: 3,343
wrx
momentum
Apr 2 2008 12:12AM
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Leo.
Posts: 508 - Karma: 17
volkswagen gti, got my 2001 vr6 for 5.6k with 97k miles...theyre a real nice first car
Apr 2 2008 12:14AM
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thecounty
Posts: 1450 - Karma: 290
seriously get a jeep cherokee. they are very affordable, you could find one with prob 75000 miles on it for about 7500 dollars. and mind you these things last forever if you take care of it, ive seen them up to 200000 miles, a bit extreme but you get the point. they are super easy to fix. ive fixed just about everything on mine besides the transmission and parts are rather affordable compared to other cars. insurance on em is cheap and affordable, its got four wheel drive, perfect for driving to the home mountain, and its got plenty of room for you and your buddies and all your ski gear. they are fun as fuck to drive in and you can take em just about anywhere. these are great first cars and also arent the smallest on the road so you have a little bit more security in a crash. i have had 2 and both of then have never disappointed me.
Apr 2 2008 12:46AM
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ontwosticks
Posts: 915 - Karma: 95
In all honesty do you really want to spend ALL your money on a car? it's just a car. I know when I was your age I was like "o shit I want a really nice car that looks sick and is fast and shit. But i'll just cover a couple thoughts that don't go through most 16 year olds minds. Insurance is outrageous for a newer car, I'm kind of figuring your parents will pay your insurance if they're splitting your car costs but some day you're going to have to pay your own. You are 100x more likely to crash or get a ticket if you have this fast car, and will your parents pay for a 200 dollar speeding ticket especially if you drop most of your bank on the car itself. What is going to happen if something happens to your car? if some asshole keys it or you get a nasty scratch or lightly wreck it, what is going to happen? If you have a real nice car you're going to have to drop major buck to pay for it and you'll be pissed. In highschool no one really cares about what car you drive. Sure you're the shit if you have a nice car, but you often become the prick that baby's his car and doensn't have any fun with it.

personally, my first car was a 1993 ford ranger. it was a piece but I needed something to haul a big mower for my lawn care business. I payed 1500 bucks and it was the best investment ever. 4 years later it still runs well, and while it's ugly and dented it gets me by and the insurance is cheap. It's not fast enough for me to ever think about getting a ticket. Plus, I had extra money to spend post-purchase which was nice I could still go out, and still afford gas and shit.

IMO. The rsx is a great deal. 121k isn't a lot of miles for a honda engine, assuming it's all highway miles. According to kelley blue book value for that car in good condition that's a pretty good price. All honda and acura and toyota are going to be uber-reliable and will last for basically forever and I would definitely recommend any of these makes for you considering your price range. But, personally I would lower the price range and save some money, you'll thank yourself later when it comes time for college unless you plan on selling before college. The guys who suggest you drop major bank are full of shit. But the guys who are suggesting older subaru's are completely in their right mind, they are a great car, get good gas mileage and have awd. So moral of the story is that in my opinion the rsx is probably too much car for a first car. Hope this helps. O and to find the best deals, look in the paper for private sellers and look on craigslist, you'll find the best prices there.
Apr 2 2008 12:59AM
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whattheshit
Posts: 6562 - Karma: 107
get a white ford bronco.
Apr 2 2008 1:11AM
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C-Burg
Posts: 4729 - Karma: 130

shit is legit

Apr 2 2008 2:07AM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
he said he wanted a wrx but didnt have nough for one read the thread guys.
Apr 2 2008 9:23AM
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skia4life89
Posts: 2400 - Karma: 172
get a 99-00 LIMITED for explorer....me and my bro have one drk blue and cream, awd v8(good in the snow), throw some 20's on it =sick so many features, leather, steering radio controls, diagnostic in the center consol, sunroof, premium sound system w/stock woofer... mine was about 9,500 but my bro got his for around 8,000...buy it, dont think about buy it!
Apr 2 2008 9:36AM
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Mr.O
Posts: 1582 - Karma: 23
though it is not in your price range these cars are very sexy:

Click for larger image
Apr 2 2008 9:37AM
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DaLiNeRiDEr21
Posts: 3687 - Karma: 39
volo s40 or s80
Apr 2 2008 9:45AM
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Schmidnj
Posts: 387 - Karma: 10
Dude front wheel drive is what you want, if you cant get all wheel. Talk to anyone who has owned a pickup that isnt 4 wheel drive, Rear wheel is what sucks in the snow the most.
Apr 2 2008 9:48AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Go with a POS. Seriously, not like a junk pile, but come on your 16 and don't know how to drive yet. Your gonna hit something most likely so you might as well have a cheap car for learning. Are you gonna go dump 800$ on brand new sweet ass skis for your first time making your way down a green circle????


Do what you want, but I'm gonna highly advise my kids to get an older cheaper car for at least the first year or two. On the other hand if you wanna dive right into big responsibility and your a very calm safe person, then the acura sounds like a good deal, and 120k is not bad for a honda motor at all.

Another quick tip is a 4wd truck of any kind will make your insurance dirt cheap for sure. So you might wanna look into small trucks too.
Apr 2 2008 9:49AM
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FreeBallin
Posts: 1845 - Karma: 17
dude your 16...get something cheap and used....dont blow your money on something your most likely going to dent/ding/ and maybe crash...wait till your a bit older to get something nice.
Apr 2 2008 9:51AM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148

taco's ftw

Apr 2 2008 9:57AM
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Dr_Feelgood
Posts: 1176 - Karma: 15
not for 8k man. those things are like 15-20 used
Apr 2 2008 11:40AM
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0123456789
Posts: 9226 - Karma: 148
for an sti noob a wrx like 11-15
Apr 2 2008 1:45PM
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